From BBQs to days at the pool, summer is the ultimate time to entertain. Make a statement at your next gathering by using interesting, versatile spirits to create delicious cocktails for your guests.

One spirit to try at your next get-together is the award winning Belle de Brillet, the original Pear Williams & Brillet Cognac Liqueur, produced by the 10th generation family-owned Maison Brillet. Located in the heart of the Cognac region, Belle de Brillet (SRP $25.99 in a 375ml or SRP $45.99 in a 750ml ) is a pear liqueur produced through the infusion of Brillet cognac with the essence of Williams Pears, produced mainly in the east of France. The liqueur is served in an elegant pear-shaped bottle, which will add charm to your summer spread.

“Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur provides a wonderful natural sweetness. I like to use it in place of sugar or simple syrup; the fresh pear flavors and aromas combine with the cognac mouthfeel is a delicious addition to many favorite summertime cocktails,” explains NYC-based Mixologist Jaime Rios.  Listed below are three specialty cocktails created by Jaime to beat the heat and kick off your summer entertaining. Each recipe can be easily prepared ahead of time for guests and can be paired with summer salads, seafood dishes and light BBQ, or enjoyed on its own.

• Belle of the Ball
• 1.5 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 1.0 oz. Light Rum
• 0.75 oz. Lime Juice
• 3 Raspberries
• Club Soda
• Sprig of Rosemary
• Add raspberries, ice and alcohol ingredients into a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
• Brilliant Belle
• 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
• 1.5 oz. Premium Vodka
• 0.25 oz. Green Chartreuse
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
• 3 Red Grapes
• 1 Basil Leaf
• Muddle red grapes and a basil leaf in a shaker then add all ingredients. Shake and evenly strain to the rim of the martini glass. Garnish with basil leaf.
• Summer in the City
• 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
• 2.0 oz. Joto Junmai Sake
• Cucumber Slices
• Mint Leaves
• Muddle cucumber and mint and add all ingredients with ice into tin shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber.